Ray Heffner: 1966-1969

Ray HeffnerBrown's thirteenth president came to Providence from Indiana University, where he was Vice President and Dean of the Faculty. Heffner, a reflective Elizabethan scholar, attempted to chart a steady course for Brown during one of the most tumultuous periods in the University's history. Perhaps the most noteworthy event to take place during Heffner's presidency was among the last: on May 8, 1969, after marathon meetings, the faculty voted to adopt a new curriculum that abolished distribution requirements and made letter grades optional. The next day, Heffner tendered his resignation, stating, "I have simply reached the conclusion that I do not enjoy being a University president."